If This Sea Could Speak

Sitting along the banks of The Sea of Galilee, one desires to have a conversation with the waves. Imagining all of the miracles that Jesus performed around this body of water is wondrously overwhemling. If there are three words that echo from this famous, fresh-water lake, those three words are the words the Master of the Sea spoke as his disciples awoke him from His sweet sleep in the midst of a storm: Peace. Be Still. Yes, if this sea could speak, those three comforting words would have to be its message to us.

Lord, as sure as the sun rises over The Sea of Galilee, storms are sure to come our way. Help our unbelief. Let us have ears-wide-open to hear Your delightful declaration: Peace. Be Still. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

For His Name's Sake

In the shepherd's fields and folds surrounding Bethlehem, one learns that the undeniable character of the shepherd is known by the overall condition of his individual sheep. If the flock is well-fed and content then the shepherd is known as a good shepherd. If the flock is hungry and harrassed the shepherd is known as a bad shepherd.

The shepherd-boy who would be king, yes the Psalmist, David, wrote these words to define the character of his Lord, yes his Shepherd: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Today when we pray, let us ask our Shepherd to please continue to prove Himself "Good" not only for the good of His sheep, but most of all for the good of His own name, yes for His name's sake.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Emmanuel in Emmaus

On a visit to the Holy Land, new Bible lessons are learned moment-by-moment. Until I stood at the end of the Road to Emmaus I had never considered that Emmaus and Emmanuel come from the same root word meaning "God is With Us."

In Luke 24 the beautiful story is recorded. Yes, at the end of their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus following the death and burial of their Lord, The Risen Savior (who had been with the two downcast disciples all along their weary walk without them realizing it) suddenly revealed Himself to them. Yes, Emmanuel was revealed at the end of The Emmaus Road! Wow!

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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Stop And Feed The Horses Along the Way

Pastor Jim is a partner in minstry alongside me. Pastor Jim's specialty is caring for others. Recently, my wife and I spent a day with him and his wife in Oberrammergau, Germany. We were there to attend the world famous, 400-year-old Passion Play that communicates the last four days in the life of our Lord, including His Crucifixion and Resurrection. While the play is an amazing event of inspiration, a highlight for me happened as the four of us walked towards the Passion Play Theatre. It was a simple moment, but full of wonder for me. What happened? Pastor Jim, who is known for his love of Creator God and also for his love of God's creation of horses, stopped along a fence line to feed four of his newest four-legged friends. Yes, grabbing big handfuls of tall grass along the outer side of the fence, Pastor Jim provided each of the four, four-legged animals a mouth full of unexpected nouishment. Somehow his spontaneous act of kindness touched me deeply. Yes, he obviously fed the horses' stomaches, but he also fed my soul. Maybe it was his boyish grin that inspired me most. All I can say it this: It's all joy to spend time with a person who loves Creator God and cares for God's creation, whether the creations happen to be two-legged or four. If you ever get a chance? Stop and feed the horses along your way.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

King of Kings

What a wonderful day. Along with a group of Jesus journeyers, I visited a castle in the Barvarian Alps of Germany. In the throne room our group viewed a painting of Jesus Christ in all of His glory magnificently painted on the dome just above the location of the king's throne. The story is that the king had it painted there so he would never forget that he was merely the little king serving under the Mighty King of Kings!

King Jesus is my King! Is He Your King? Will Lordship lifestyles be the present, future, and forever stances of our souls?

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Passion Play 2010: Oberammergau, Germany

In the coming days I will visit Germany's Passion Play in the Bavarian Alps with 40 other Jesus journeyers. Yes, the village of Oberrammergau will be our first stop on this, our 2010 Holy Land pilgrimage -- On the Road to Jerusalem With Passion. This will be my second visit to the Passion Play, having made my first visit in 2000, and this will be my eighth sacred pilgrimage to the Land of our Lord. These two links below are worth your time -- behind the scenes looks at The Passion Play and a brief history account of the amazing event in the Alps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwTSqBAOoTw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=867gl7OdEAY&feature=channel

Thanks for your prayers for our safe passage to Germany and Israel and back home again. This morning I received this blessing from a dear friend: Hope you have a wonderful and joyful trip. I pray for safety and great encounters.

In the words of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:2 (MSG), We are on pilgrimage to worship Him.

GODSPEED!

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.

Everyone Gets It? Not Everyone Gives It?

When it comes to generoisty, obedience, and sacrificial giving, is it possible that everyone gets it, but not everyone gives it?

You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ.
-- Philemon 1:6 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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"The Repenters"

I've been told that in Romania, true Christians are called "The Repenters" by non-Christians. Yes, the name is given to them because it is obvious to all that they have truly turned from sin, yes having really repented, they have turned exclusively to Him.

Lord, I want to be a true Christian. Yes, more than one who just casually wears Your name, I want to be known as a repenter, yes as one whose life certainly shouts Your fame. Amen.

I tell you again that unless you repent, you will also perish.
-- Jesus' Words in Luke 13:5 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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You Will Be My Witnesses

These words of promise concerning the coming of New Testament Pentecost were spoken by Jesus and recorded in Acts 1:8 (NIV) -- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses...

Praise God! New Testament Pentecost happened and is still happening. Why? That The Holy Spirit might enter and indwell believers. Why? That He could live the life of Christ through his saints -- yes, that the world might know God personally one-soul-at-a-time.

Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27b (NIV)

Lord, I don't just want to talk about You. I want to be Your Holy Spirit-filled witness. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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We Can't Even Imagine

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love Him."
-- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

My Loving Lord, Your Word is my mind's inspiration for the present, flooding my soul with anticipation for the future. Yes, even now, Heaven comes down and glory fills my soul. I can't even begin to imagine Your wonderful works underway for those who love You, so I quite simply but very sincerely give thanks in Your matchless name, my Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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Twelve Miracle-Working Words

I believe there are twelve (simple but profound) miracle-working words that when spoken from the deepest places of a sorrowful heart can restore almost any troubled relationship:

I was wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me. I love you.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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If AnyONE?

The Glorified Christ sent this message by John the Evangelist to the church at Laodecia:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in... -- (Revelation 3:20a NIV)

Lord, I want to be one who opens the door and says "Welcome Wonderful One!" In Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

The Cost of Encouraging Others

I have learned that the cost of encouraging others is the raw reality of being chased by discouragement shortly thereafter, yes, usually the next morning. Still, I embrace with my whole being the gift that God has entrusted to me, yes the gift of encouraging others on His behalf.

Lord, cause Your Joy to be my strength as I encourage others and when discouragement comes chasing after me, may it only serve to run me further into Your refreshing presence. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

If your gift is to encourage others, do it!
-- Romans 12:8 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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The Most, The Least

I recently heard one my brothers (who happens to also be a pastor) share a prayer he's been praying: Lord, help me to pray the most for those I trust the least. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

No Greater Adventure For Any Man

It has been said that every man needs an adventure to live. I say there is no greater adventure for any man than that of bringing glory to God by loving and raising his children and romancing and loving their mother over life's long-haul. Sadly, too many men prove not to have enough courage and longevity to complete the great adventure of being a loving daddy and a faithful husband until the end.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

My Reward. My Refuge.

Lord, the sound of Your voice is my soul's reward.
The power of Your compassion is my heart's refuge.
In Your Holy Name, Jesus, I am humbled, speechless, grateful.
Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Beware the Barrenness of Being Too Busy

Beware the barrenness of a busy life. If the devil cannot get us to yield to temptation, he will just try to keep us too busy, because the end results will be the same -- soul destruction.

Isaiah 30:15-18 (NLT) warns us about running ahead of of God with our too busy lives:

(15) The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says, "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. (16) You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you! (17) One of them will chase a thousand of you. Five of them will make all of you flee. You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a distant mountaintop." (18) But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.

The words from this Larnelle Harris song, Strength From the Lord, invite us to an Holy-Balanced Life:

Sometimes life seems like words and music,
That can't quite become a song.
So we cry and sigh then we try again,
And wonder what could be wrong.
But when we turn to the Lord at the end of ourselves,
Like we've done a time or two before.
We find His truth is the same as it's always been.
We never will need more.

It's not in trying but in trusting.
It's not in running but in resting.
Not in wondering but in praying.
That we find the strength of the Lord.

He's all we need for our every need.
We never need be alone.
Still He'll let us go if we choose to,
To live life on our own.
Then the only good that will ever be said,
Of the pains we find ourselves in.
They are places to gain the wisdom to say,
I'll never leave Him again.

It's not in trying but in trusting.
It's not in running but in resting.
Not in wondering but in praying.
That we find the strength of the Lord.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

You Are God's Field

1 Corinthians 3:9 says, You are God's field.

Oh, my Lord God, I am humbled that you would choose to plow and harrow in the soil of my life to bring about plentiful produce, yes a holy harvest for Your glory. Help me, Lord, to remember that the Farmer is never closer to His field than when He is plowing it. Yes, in those painful seasons of life when I am tempted to believe You have abandoned me, cause me to think again and to realize that Your beautiful, nail-scared feet are actually walking in -- yes one with -- the soil of my life. Lord God, I am Your field. You are my Farmer. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

...To Heal the Brokenhearted...

These wonderful words are on my heart today, yes these wonderful words echoed from Isaiah 61:1-2 by Jesus as He stood in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth:

Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)
(18) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
(19) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV)
(1) "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
(2) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
(3) To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Turn From Sin, Be Like Children

(1) About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" (2) Jesus called a small child over to Him and put the child among them. (3) Then He said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. (4) Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (5) And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf is welcoming Me. (6) But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in Me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck. -- Matthew 18:1-6 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Keepers of the Light

Each Spring, our local church Keepers of the Light Men's Retreat journeys from Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to North Carolina's Outer Banks for three full days of soul inspiration. Our first stop along the Carolina Coastline is always at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station Historical Site in Rodanthe. Indescribable!

On one of the walls in the old boat house, the words of a beloved hymn of the church are wood-burned on an old cedar shingle. The words are from the 1871 hymn by Philip P. Bliss titled Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. With 75 to 100 men and boys crammed in the old boat house, the inspiration truly begins when through tear-lined eyes, we fill the rafters with the sacred singing of these old lifesaving lyrics:

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy from His lighthouse evermore,
But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave!
For to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.
[or Some poor struggling, sinking sailor you may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled, loud the angry billows roar;
Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights, along the shore.

Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave!
Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights, along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother, some poor sailor tempest tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor, in the darkness may be lost.

Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave!
Trying now to make the harbor, some poor sailor may be lost.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

All the Children of the World

Refrain
Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

(1) Jesus calls the children dear,“Come to me and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world;
I will take you by the hand, Lead you to the better land,
For I love the little children of the world.”

Alternate refrain:
Jesus died for all the children, All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, All are precious in His sight,
Jesus died for all the children of the world.

(2) Jesus is the Shepherd true, And He’ll always stand by you,
For He loves the little children of the world;
He’s a Savior great and strong, And He’ll shield you from the wrong,
For He loves the little children of the world.

Refrain

(3) I am coming, Lord, to Thee, And Your soldier I will be,
For You love the little children of the world;
And Your cross I’ll always bear, And for You I’ll do and dare,
For You love the little children of the world.

Refrain

Notes: Words: C. Her­bert Wool­ston (1856-1927); Wool­ston was one of George Root’s fav­o­rite lyr­i­cists. Child­ren of­ten sing just the re­frain, which is a song all to it­self! Music: George F. Root (1820-1895); Root orig­in­al­ly wrote this tune for the Amer­i­can civ­il war song Tramp, Tramp, Tramp.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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Jesus Says, "Come!"

Consider these five instances when John the Beloved Disciple recorded Jesus saying, "Come!"

(1) I have come... John 10:10 (NIV)
(2) I will come... John 14:3 (NIV)
(3) Come to me... John 7:37 (NIV)
(4) You refuse to come... John 5:40 (NIV)
(5) You cannot come... John 8:21 (NIV)

The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.
-- Jeremiah 8:20 (NIV)

Lord, before it's too late, I fervently pray these words over eternal souls: No more missed opportunities! We want to be able to echo John's words in Revelation 22:20: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Arise & Shine!

Arise, my soul... for Your Lord is Risen!
Shine, be light... for Your Lord is Glorified!

The children's praise chorus shouts aloud:
Rise and shine. Give God the glory, glory!

Awake, you who sleep. Arise from the dead. And Christ will give you light.-- Ephesians 5:14 (NLT)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Help

Is anything too hard for the Lord? -- Genesis 18:14 (NLT)

The more we are cut off from human help, the greater claim we can make on Divine Help. -- Mrs. Chas. Cowman

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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The Lord Kept Watch Over the Ship

If I did not see that the Lord kept watch over the ship, I should long since abandoned the helm. But I see Him -- through the storm, strengthening the tackling, handling the yards, spreading the sails -- aye more, commanding the very winds! Should I not be a coward if I abandoned my post? Let Him govern, let Him carry us forward, let Him hasten or delay, we will fear nothing! -- Martin Luther

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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Lord, Give Me Your Eyes.

The Lord is teaching me to pray today through Colossians 1:24:

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church. (NIV)

But part of my work is to suffer for you; and I am glad, for I am helping to finish up the remainder of Christ’s sufferings for His body, the Church. (TLB)

I pray that the Lord will allow me to enter His agony in my prayer life. Why? I want to see the world He died for from His perspective. He invites you and me to share in the fellowship of His sufferings when we pray. Surely, if we see from His perspective while on our knees, we will walk into the world and make it different.

I don't know about you, but I now pray fervently the words of the contemporary Christian song by Brandon Heath: Lord, give me Your eyes. Amen.

Click here: YouTube - Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes

Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. -- Ephesians 6:18 (TLB)

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

No Turning Back

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." -- Luke 9:62 (NLT)

Lord, keep me focused forward. Hold my hand steady when it trembles on the plow. No turning back. No turning back. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Ready?

In Revelation 22:20, John indicates that he is ready for Christ's return when he says: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Let's all be ready. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Is It Well?

Is it well with my soul whether I am in joy or in sorrow?

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful